Item Info

Accession Number: 87-0191
Physical Description: [4] pages
Transcription:

Chateau des Molineaux
   Rue Beaurepaire, Bologne
   Friday Twenty Fourth June 1853.
My Dear Cunningham.
A note --Cerberus like-- of three heads.
First, I know you will be glad to hear that the Manager is himself again.  Vigorous, brown, energetic, muscular.  The pride of Albion and the admiration of Gaul.
Secondly, I told Wills when I left home, that I was quite pained to see the end of your excellent bowl of Punch altered.  I was unaffectedly touched and gratified by the heartiness of the original;  and saw no earthly, celestial, or subterranean, objection to its remaining--as it did not so unmistakeably apply to me as to necessitate the observance of my usual precaution in the case of such references, by any means.
Thirdly, if you ever have a holiday that you don't know what to do with, Do come and pass a little time here.  We live in a charming garden in a very pleasant country, and should be delighted to receive you.  Excellent light wines on the premises, French cookery, millions of roses, two cows (for Milk Punch), vegetables cut for the pot and handed in at the kitchen window, five summer houses, fifteen fountains (with no water in 'em) and thirty seven clocks (keeping, as I conceive, Australian time; having no reference whatever to the hours on this side of the globe).
I know, my dear Cunningham that the British Nation can ill afford to lose you;  and that when the Audit office mice are away, the cats of that great public establishment will play.  But pray consider that the bow may sometimes be bent too long, and that over-arduous application, even in patriotic service, is to be avoided.  No one can more highly estimate your devotion to the best interests of Britain than I.  But I wish to see it tempered with a wise consideration for your own amusement, recreation, pastime.  All work and no play makes Peter a dull boy as well as Jack.  And (if I may claim the privilege of friendship to remonstrate) I would say that you do not take enough time for your meals.  Dinner for instance you  habitually neglect.  Believe me this rustic repose will do you good.  Winkles also, are to be obtained in these parts, and it is well remarked by Poor Richard that a bird in the Handbook is worth two in the bush.
   Ever Cordially Yours
Charles Dickens
Peter Cunningham Esquire

MssDate: Friday Twenty Fourth June 1853
Media Type: Letters
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

Record created by BZ.

Recipient: Cunningham, Peter, 1816-1869
Provenance: Benoliel 1961

Bibliography:

The Letters of Charles Dickens, Pilgrim Edition, Volume Seven, pages 101-102.

Country: Creation Place Note:Chateau des Molineaux Rue Beaurepaire
Country:France
City/Town/Township:Boulogne

Call Number: DL C917 1853-06-24
Creator Name: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 - Author